Pastor Michael Anthony Hale

The journey of life for Michael Anthony Hale began on September 24, 1958. He was the 3rd child of 7 children born in Okolona, Arkansas to Imon Hale, Jr., and Mary Ellen Lidge Hale. The Hale family settled in Arkadelphia where Michael attended Arkadelphia High School.

In 1976, he visited the home of Deacon JV Hill and Sister Georgia for prayer; and it was there that Michael confessed his faith in Christ. He later joined Tate Temple COGIC. Michael was called into the ministry and preached the gospel.

He pastored Gum Springs COGIC from 1985-1989. He was appointed by Bishop J. E. Williams as pastor of Gordon Memorial God in Christ in Mt. Pine, Arkansas. His tenacity for the word of God was like fire and brimstone. He preached that there was no other way, but to follow God and His commands. As a pastor, his love for Christ and the people intensified. Through fervent prayer and fasting, God led and guided him to do what he could for those who were in need. Being a “natural born” giver, there was not anyone that he did not help if they came to him. Like David, he was a man after God’s own heart, and it showed in his love that he illuminated throughout the church and community. He became a member of Destiny International Ministries COGIC and assisted Bishop Williams whenever and wherever needed.

Michael was not a stranger to hard work. He worked for Firestone in Prescott for several years, as a bus monitor on Arkadelphia Public School District Bus #7 on route 10. He worked as a cook along with his brother, Kevin and son, Wesley at Beverly’s Nursing Home and worked part-time in the cafeteria at Goza Middle School.

He met and married Jacqueline Singleton on July 2, 2007, and he was blessed with the addition of two daughters. He loved his family dearly and showered them with an abundance of love. He was a simple man who enjoyed cooking, grilling, and gardening. He raised seven chickens and shared the eggs with family and friends. 

On Sunday, October 27, 2024, he transitioned from this life to an eternal home. His independent spirit, iron will, and strong character will never be duplicated but leave an impression on the lives of those he touched and enriched along this life’s journey.

He was preceded in death by his parents Mary Ellen Lidge Hale (May 2, 2007) and Imon Hale, Jr. (June 2, 2013); two brothers, Early W. Hale (2006) and Steve A. Hale (1978) and a son, Terrance L. Hale (August 1, 2021).

He leaves to continue and cherish his legacy, wife of 17 years, Lady Jacqueline Hale; three sons, Tony (Patra) Hale of Melissa, TX, Wesley (Nicole) Hale and Christopher (Cindy) Hale both of Arkadelphia; two bonus daughters, Shatara Singleton and Destiny Cawthorn both of Arkadelphia; two bonus sons, Eldon Thompson and Austin Thompson; one sister, Ella M. Hale of Jacksonville, AR; three brothers, Danny A. (Lisa) Hale of Jacksonville, AR, Paul F. (Stella) Hale of Arkadelphia and Kevin D. Hale of Hot Springs; and fifteen grandchildren. He also leaves aunts, uncles, niece, nephews, other relatives and the Gordon Memorial COGIC Family. 

Pallbearers will be Calvin Wiley, Delta Gulley, Victor Hale, Minister Charles Helms, Cortez Smith and Traveon Hale.

Acknowledgment - Our family has been the recipient of a powerful demonstration of love and concern from the community, the church, several friends, and extended family members until our hearts weep with thanksgiving. We wish to give thanks and acknowledgment for all the support we’ve received because of the love he both gave and received throughout his life. Although his stay with us was brief, his transition shall be filled with rejoicing for a life well lived. Today we step out on His word, that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. For that reason, we simply say, thank you. Lady Jacqueline Hale and the entire Hale Family